Good Sub-Compact, Compact Pistols for Concealed Carry
 

I know these questions are so subjective but I need assistance whittling the immense choices out there to 3-4 that I can test. I dont have a large amount of cash to test 20 handguns. Here is what I am after and hopefully I can get some assistance.

-Want 380 or 9mm concealed Compact, Sub-Sompact.
-Would like to keep it under $525.
-Want something that is fairly easy to carry
-Want stoppoing power but dont want to sacrafice accuracy since some are better than others at 25 yards
-Recent issue of American Rifleman shows that several of the ACPs have malfunction issues so this is a cause of great concern
-Was interested in Ruger LCP and Kel-Tec P3AT but the sights make it difficult to get a good sight picture.
-Have small-mid size hand

I understand I need to get a good feel of the weapon since its a personal choice but with the immense amount of choices it makes the process difficult. Appreciate any adive/ help offered.

S&W airweight with +P's

Is this what you meant?
 

S&W Model 60 and 637 (.38 Spec+P)

Or something in the 400 series. Basically a shrouded or hammerless snubby would be my choice.

Snubby revolvers in .38 Spl. (several brands would qualify)

Baby Glock's in 9mm.

I carry a Glock 23 which is the mid-sized Glock in .40. Pretty lightweight, holds 13+1 rounds and decent knock down power. It is not going to be accurate for long distance but that is not what I carry for. I believe you can find those for well under $500 new.

Glock 27 w/ trijicon night sights

Bersa thunder 380 with corbon defense loads. That's what i chose. it works well with a good holster. The gun is very reasonable too. I think i paid $300 for mine new.

My recommendation would be a Glock compact size, any caliber of your liking is fine...9mm, .357 sig, .40 are all great calibers. This size of gun packs some nice firepower, is utterly reliable beyond anything you can imagine. It is a bit larger than some of your super small guns. If you truly wanted something smaller, I would have to recommend a small snub nose revolver. I think reliability is the utmost importance in a self defense gun and some of the smaller semi autos are very particular about ammo and such.

Springfield XD 9 SC or a Sig 250.